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Equine Reproductive
Physiology, Breeding
and Stud
Management
5th Edition
Equine Reproductive
Physiology, Breeding
and Stud
Management
5th Edition

Mina Davies Morel

Reader in Animal Reproduction, Institute ofBiological,
Environmental and Rural Sciences (JEERS), Aberystwyth
University. E-mail: [email protected]. uk

CABI
 CABI is a trading name of CAB International

CABI CABI
Nosworthy Way WeWork
Wallingford One Lincoln St
Oxfordshire OXl0 8DE 24th Floor
UK Boston, MA 02111
USA
Tel: +44 (0)1491 832111 Tel: +l (617)682-9015
Fax: +44 (0)1491 833508 E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.cabi.org

© Mina C.G. Davies Morel 2021. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owners.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library, London, UK.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Davies Morel, Mina C. G., author. Title: Equine reproductive physiology, breeding and stud management / Mina C.G. Davies
Morel.
Description: Fifth edition. I Boston : CAB International, 2021. I Includes bibliographical references and index. I Summary: "Equine
Reproductive Physiology Breeding and Stud Management, 5th Edition provides a thorough grounding in equine reproductive anatomy
and physiology for equine, animal and veterinary science students"-- Provided by publisher.
Identifiers: LCCN 2020018102 (print) I LCCN 2020018103 (ebook) I ISBN 9781789242249 (paperback) I ISBN 9781789242232
(hardback) I ISBN 9781789242256 (ebook) I ISBN 9781789242263 (epub)
Subjects: LCSH: Horses--Reproduction. I Horses--Breeding.
Classification: LCC SF768.2.H67 D39 2020 (print) I LCC SF768.2.H67 (ebook) I DDC 636.l--dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020018102
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2020018103

References to Internet websites (URLs) were accurate at the time of writing.

ISBN-13: 9781789242232 (hardback)

9781789242249 (paperback)
9781789242256 (ePDF)
9781789242263 (ePub)

Commissioning Editor: Alexandra Lainsbury

Editorial Assistant: Emma McCann
Production Editor: Marta Patino

Typeset by SPI, Pondicherry, India

Printed and bound in the UK by Severn, Gloucester
 Contents

Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management by

Mina C.G. Davies Morel vii
Section A Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Mare 1
Chapter 1 Mare Reproductive Anatomy 3
Chapter 2 Control of Reproduction in the Mare 20
Chapter 3 Pregnancy 39
Chapter 4 Parturition 70
Chapter 5 Lactation 82

Section B Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology of the Stallion 95

Chapter 6 Stallion Reproductive Anatomy 97
Chapter 7 Control of Reproduction in the Stallion 113

Section C Management of the Broodmare 121

Chapter 8 Selection of the Mare for Breeding 123
Chapter 9 Preparation of the Mare for Breeding 143
Chapter 10 Management of the Mare at Mating 163
Chapter 11 Management of the Pregnant Mare 186
Chapter 12 Management of the Mare at Parturition 205
Chapter 13 Management of the Mare during Lactation and at Weaning 226
Chapter 14 Infertility in the Mare 235

Section D Management of the Stallion 257

Chapter 15 Selection of the Stallion for Breeding 259
Chapter 16 Preparation of the Stallion for Breeding and Mating Management 269
Chapter 17 General Stallion Management 276
Chapter 18 Infertility in the Stallion 290

Section E Management of the Foal 305

Chapter 19 Management of the Young Foal 307
Chapter 20 Management of Weaning 333

Section F Advanced Reproductive Techniques 341

Chapter 21 Artificial Insemination 343
Chapter 22 Emb ryo Transfer 376
Chapter 23 Advanced Reproductive Techniques 389
 Contents

Glossary 399
Bibliography 403
Index 507
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys
Breeding and Stud Management

Mare Reproductive Anatomy- Chapter 1

Description of folliculogenesis, oogenesis and ovulation
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iF9dwVQUvc

Breeding Soundness Evaluation in the Mare - Chapter 8

Breeding Soundness evaluation in the mare including ultrasound examination, swabbing and uterine biopsy
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbXFTud 1 Dug

Breeding Soundness evaluation in the mare including ultrasound examination, vaginascopy, swabbing and uterine biopsy
• https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=srZhtfLFVFg

Management of the Mare at Mating - Chapter 10

Detecting and grading oestrus behavior in the mare
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cAxGqE84Jk&t=9 ls
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Excerpts from a longer video describing the process of ultrasound examination in the mare
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-xR6ez 1 h7I&t=7s

Management of the Mare at Mating - Chapter 10/Management

of the Stallion at Mating - Chapter 16
Teasing and in hand mating of the mare and stallion
• https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfcsjuEuja8

In hand mating of mare and stallion

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLpQoZ2bPTsgYg9OSPJTXakP6H0U l 8ez8h&v=2Udq6vkb8f­
w&feature=player_detailpage

Management of the Pregnant Mare - Chapter 11

The use of Colour doppler ultrasonic scanning a series of videos of the pregnant mare illustrating the uterine and
emb ryonic blood flow (red and blue). In particular note the beating of the emb ryonic heart Day 23 (video 2) even
clearer Days 43 and 40 (videos 8 and 9) and Day 58 (video l); the endometrial folds within the uterus surrounding
the conceptus (Video 14); clear allantois and blastocoel or yolk sac (video 5)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmTf-_dvCdw&list=UU3 l zgO5a6T6=ixqcaQ0M5g&index= 1
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Ultrasonic scanning pregnancy diagnosis in the mare

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3 UxzWmeGik

[!].

Foetal sexing in the mare

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVHfLr6it8g

Management of the Mare at Parturition - Chapter 12

The process of foaling in the mare and cesarean section
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtnRlH wTf58

Foaling in the mare followed by foal adaptation up until standing

• https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lGAr75WHxQ

Cesarean section in the mare

• https:/ /m.facebook.com/story. php?story_fbid=1191828570940266&id=117440931712374
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Foaling in the mare : Mutation and traction

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkhcXRnNzCs

Breeding Soundness Evaluation in the Stallion - Chapter 15

BSE Stallion, external examination of general conformation reproductive tract examination including assessing testis
size plus libido assessment
• https://mediaspace.wisc.edu/media/Stallion+Breeding+Soundness+Exam/0_y41sz2rj

General Stallion Management Chapter 17

• Swiss National Stud video investigating the social interactions of stallions after group integration, the possibility
of keeping stallions together
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-xR6ez 1 h71&t=7s

Foal Management - Chapter 19

Madigan squeeze technique to treat horses with Neonatal Maladjustment syndrome (NMS)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKbwOv7eQKc
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Artificial Insemination - Chapter 21

Inseminating semen into the mare
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EKWcxRdpn4

Semen collection and evaluation

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08vYiZTapPs

AI, AV preparation, semen collection, semen evaluation and insemination into the mare
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohei 1 Kl s7As

Collecting semen from a stallion

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J dhKsA-T8Lc

Semen evaluation
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCAjYl IOHTc&index=3&list=PLBPI2E05ryn-XJOcNBH­
WZFT-FyKsoVslf
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Lecture/demo on semen collection and evaluation

• https:/ /www. you tu be.com/watch?v=MUB-CT 6k_ -o&fbclid=Iw AR 1 x90t2gzHi3 jTjaiDr RYCdn Yu­
RA9Rl WVib6ppYfCruofSeduUAGaitdio

The processes involved in freezing stallion semen

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgVoJB4AXPI&list=PLBPI2E05 ryn-XJ OcNBHWZFT-FyKsoVs 1 f&in­
dex=2

Semen collection in the stallion

• https:/ /www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6gAJi4M3eA

Embryo Transfer - Chapter 22

Flushing emb ryos from a donor mare in preparation for embryo transfer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLD0r04TucY

Flushing the mare, identifying the embryo and transferring the embryo into the recipient mare
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78-XVxHqruA
 Videos for Equine Repro Phys Breeding and Stud Management

Advanced Reproductive Technologies - Chapter 23

lntracytoplasmic injection (ICSI) in the mare, including oocyte collection, ICSI process and emb ryo transfer
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOlmyhamCKU
Section
 Section A

Section A considers the biology of breeding the mare, the is controlled in the mare. This knowledge will then en­
anatomy of the mare, the processes involved in ova pro­ able you to understand the following sections, which
duction (folliculogenesis and oogenesis), fertilization, apply this knowledge to breeding practice.
pregnancy and parturition, and how reproductive activity
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

The Objectives of this Chapter are:

To detail the reproductive anatomy of the mare.
To enable you to understand the process of ovulation and the factors that might affect it.
To enable you to appreciate why infertility occurs and the possible treatments.
To provide you with the knowledge to understand subsequent chapters on endocrine control of mare
reproduction, pregnancy, parturition and its application to breeding practice.

1.1. Introduction 1.2. The Vulva

The reproductive system of the mare may be considered The vulva (Fig. 1.4) is the external area of the mare's
to consist of extrinsic and intrinsic organs. The extrinsic reproductive system, protecting the entrance to the va­
organs are those associated with control (the hypotha­ gina. The outer area is pigmented skin with the normal
lamic-pituitary-gonadal axis) and the mammary glands, sebaceous and sweat glands along with the nerve and
which are all essential in successful reproduction and blood supply normally associated with the skin of the
will be considered in other chapters, plus the intrinsic mare. The inner area, where the vulva is continuous
organs, which are those that will be considered in this with the vagina, is lined by stratified squamous epithe­
chapter. The reproductive tract of the mare is a Y-shaped lium plus mucus-secreting cells enabling it to accom­
tubular organ with a series of constrictions along its modate abrasion at mating. The upper limit of the
length. The wall of the tract remains largely the same vulva (the dorsal commissure) is situated approximately
throughout: the outer perimetrium (serosa layer); the 6-8 cm below the anus. Below the entrance to the va­
central myometrium (outer longitudinal and inner cir­ gina, in the lower part of the vulva (the ventral commis­
cular muscle layer); and the inner endometrium (outer sure), lie the clitoris, or clitoral body, and the three
submucosa and the inner mucosa or epithelial cell clitoral sinuses (one medial and two lateral; Fig. 1.5).
layer) lying against the lumen of the tract. The peri­ These sinuses are of importance in the mare as they pro­
neum, vulva, vagina and cervix can be considered as the vide an ideal environment for the harbouring of many
outer protective structures, and lie mainly within the venereal disease (VD) bacteria, in particular Taylorella
pelvic cavity, providing protection for the inner, more equigenitalis (causal agent for contagious equine metri­
vital structures: the uterus, Fallopian tubes and ovaries, tis, CEM), but also Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudo­
which lie in the abdominal cavity and are responsible monas aeruginosa. Hence, this area is regularly swabbed
for fertilization and embryo development. Figure 1.1, in mares prior to covering and, indeed, in the Thor­
taken after slaughter, shows the reproductive structures oughbred industry such swabbing is compulsory
of the mare, and Figs 1.2 and 1.3 illustrate these dia­ (McAllister and Sack, 1990; Ginther, 1992; Horse Race
grammatically. Each of these structures will be dealt Betting Levy Board, 2019). Within the walls or labia of
with in turn in the following account. the vulva lies the constrictor vulva muscle, running

© CAB International 2021. Equine Reproductive Physiology, Breeding and Stud Management,
5th Edition. (M. Davies Morel.)
 Chapter 1

just inside the ventral part of the labia is the vestibular

bulb, an enlarged area of tissue thought to assist in
holding the penis in place at copulation.

1.3. The Perineum

The perineum is a rather loosely defined area in the
mare, but includes the outer vulva and adjacent skin
along with the anus and the surrounding area. In the
mare, the conformation of this area is of clinical im­
portance, due to its role in the protection of the genital
tract from the entrance of air, solids and bacteria.
Mal-conformation in this area predisposes the mare to
a condition known as pneumovagina or vaginal
wind-sucking, in which air is sucked in and out of the
vagina through the open vulva. Along with this passage
of air also go environmental and faecal bacteria which
bombard the cervix, exposing it to unacceptably high
levels of contamination, which it is often unable to
cope with (especially during oestrus when it is more re­
laxed and so less competent). Passage of bacteria into
Fig. 1.1. The mare's reproductive tract after slaughter and the higher, more susceptible parts of the mare's tract
dissection (see also Fig. 1.2). may result in bacterial infections, leading to endometri­
tis (inflammation of the endometrium lining of the
uterus, very often caused by an infection). Additionally,
urovagina (collection of urine within the vagina) may
��r-+- Fallopian tube
also result if the reproductive tract slopes internally, fur­
�:r:-iFr-v"'�,,+- Uterine horn
Ovary ther increasing the chance of bacteria breaching the cer­
:.....icµ.---""""""'- Endometrial folds vix. Chapter 14 gives further details of the causes of VD
,H----- Broad ligaments
--'1'1------ Uterine body infection in the mare, all of which adversely affect fertil­
ization rates (McAllister and Sack 1990; Ginther, 1992;
Easley, 1993; Kainer, 2011).
ulT',-,.;t,.,....-t-t-1,------ Cervix
�---- Bladder
1.3.1. Protection of the genital tract
Adequate protection of the genital tract is essential to
prevent the adverse effects of pneumovagina. This is
achieved via three seals within the tract: the vulva! seal,
the vestibular or vaginal seal and the cervix (Fig. 1.6).
The perinea! area plus the constrictor vulva and
constrictor vestibular muscles in the vulva! walls form
the vulva! seal. The vestibular seal is formed by the nat­
Fig. 1.2. A diagrammatic representation of the mare's repro­ ural collapsing and apposition of the vagina walls,
ductive tract. where it sits above the floor of the upper pelvic bone
(ischium), in an area sometimes called the vestibulovag­
along either side of the length of the vulva! lips. This inal fold; plus the hymen, if still present. The tight
muscle acts to maintain the vulva! seal and to invert and muscle and collagen ring within the cervix form the
expose the clitoral area during oestrus, known as wink­ cervical seal. On the uterine side of the cervix there are
ing (Kainer, 2011), Another muscle, the constrictor mucociliary (mucus-secreting ciliated) cells, equivalent
vestibule muscle, encircles the vulva but is dorsally in­ to those in the respiratory tract, that produce a muco­
complete allowing the considerable expansion required polysaccaride blanket which provides a mucociliary
at parturition (Easley, 1993; Dascanio, 201 la). Lying clearance mechanism to dear debris and bacteria from
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

I
,I
Fig. 1.3. A lateral (side) view of the mare's reproductive tract.

Fig. 1.4. The vulval area of the mare: in this instance, the con­
formation of the perinea! area is poor, with the anus sunken
cranially, opening up the vulva to faecal contamination. (Photo
courtesy of Ms Ria McLean.)

the uterus and back through the cervix (Causey, 2007).

Additionally positive abdominal pressure, typical of
tight-bellied young horses or ponies, also helps to pre­
vent the entry of air into the reproductive tract. This
series of seals is affected by the conformation of an indi­
vidual (Figs 1.4 and 1.7) and also by the stage of the
oestrous cycle (Fig. 1.8).
The ideal conformation is achieved if around 80% Fig. 1.5. The vulva of the mare showing the ventral commis­
of the vulva lies below the pelvic floor. A simple test can sure within which lie the clitoral body and three sinuses, one
be performed to assess this. If a sterile plastic tube is medial and one on either side.
 Chapter 1

-----
Vestibular (vaginal) seal Vulval seal

Fig. 1.6. The seals of the mare's reproductive tract during dioestrus.

(A) (B)

(C)

Fig. 1.7. The effect of conformation on the competence of the vulval, vestibular and cervical seals in the mare: (A) a low ischium
(pelvic Aoor) results in an incompetent vestibular seal: in this case, the vulval seal is still competent, so infection risk is limited; (B) a low
ischium results in an incompetent vestibular seal: in this case, the vulval seal is also incompetent, so infection risk is increased; and
(C) an incompetent vestibular and vulval seal plus a sloping perinea! area result in a significant infection risk, especially from faecal
contamination.
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

inserted through the vulva into the vagina and allowed tone, tends to draw air into the tract, especially when
to rest horizontally on the vagina floor, the amount of the mare is moving or coughs (Hemberg et al., 2005).
vulva lying below this tube should be approximately Pascoe (1979) suggested that mares should be allocated
80% in well-conformed mares. This technique is illus­ a Caslick index derived by multiplying the angle of in­
trated diagrammatically in Fig. 8.7. clination of the vulva with the distance from the is­
If the ischium of the pelvis is too low, the vulva chium to the dorsal commissure. This index can then be
tends to fall towards the horizontal plane as seen in Figs used to classify mares into three types and so predict the
1.4 and 1.7. This opens up the vulva to contamination likely occurrence of endometritis (Fig. 1.9).
by faeces, increasing the risk of uterine infection due to The effect of poor conformation of the perineum
pneumovagina. Additionally, a low pelvis causes the area may be alleviated by a Caslick's vulvoplasty oper­
vagina to slope inwards, preventing the natural drain­ ation, developed by Dr Caslick in 1937 (Caslick, 1937).
age of urine at urination leading to urovagina, which The lips on either side of the upper vulva are cut, and
further increases the risk of uterine infection. Lastly, the two sides are then sutured together. The two raw
negative abdominal pressure, typical of Thoroughbred edges then heal together as in the healing of an open
type, multiparous mares with poor abdominal muscle wound, and hence seal the upper part of the vulva and
prevent the passage of faeces into the vagina. The hole
left at the ventral commissure is adequate for urination
(Fig. 1.10). Short and long Caslick vulvoplasties may be
performed, depending on the severity of the perinea!
mal-conformation and hence on the length of vulva
that requires to be sutured.
The chance that a mare requiring a Caslick's oper­
ation will pass on the trait for poor perinea! conform­
ation to her offspring is reasonably high. This, coupled
with the fact that the operation site has to be cut to
allow natural mating and foaling, casts doubt on
whether such mares should be bred. It becomes increas­
Fig. 1.8. The effect of oestrus on the competence of the vulval, ingly hard to perform a Caslick's operation on mares
vestibular and cervical seals in the mare: oestrus causes a relax­ that have been repeatedly cut and resutured, as the lips
ation of the seals and, therefore, an increase in infection risk. of the vulva become progressively more fibrous and

--------------= -
(A) (B) (C)
�

---- r
Dorsal
commissure

-------------- ----r
40%

Ventral
_______ l

Fig. 1.9. A lateral view of the relationship between the anus, vulva and ischium, indicating: (A) type I mare with good conformation,
Caslick index< 50 (b= 2-3 cm, a< 10 °): no Caslick required; (B) type II mare with poor conformation, predisposing to type III in later
life, Caslick index 50-100 (b = 6-7 cm, a= 10-15 °): no immediate need for a Caslick but likely in later life; and (C) type III mare with
very poor conformation, including vulva lips in a horizontal plane, Caslick index> 150 (b = 5-9 cm, a � 30 °): Caslick required immedi­
ately, significant chance of endometritis and a reduction in reproductive success.
 Chapter 1

Fig. 1.10. A Caslick operation in the mare showing (A) anaesthetizing the vulval lips; (B) cutting the vulval lips; (C) suturing together
the vulval lips; and (D) the finished job.

therefore difficult to suture. In such cases, a procedure Perinea! mal-conformation, and hence pneumova­
termed a Pouret operation may be performed (Pouret, gina and urovagina, is particularly prevalent in Thor­
1982). This is a more major operation and involves the oughbred mares. The condition tends to be exacerbated
surgical realignment of the anus and vulva (Knottenbelt in mares with a low body condition score; multiparous,
and Pascoe, 2003). Other alternatives have been sug­ aged mares; those in fit athletic condition; and those
gested, modified Pouret (Papa et al., 2014) and vulva! with flat croup and/or elevated tail set. Its continued
flap (Inoue and Sekiguchi, 2017), but are yet to be existence is in no small part due to the selection of hors­
widely adopted. es for athletic performance rather than reproductive
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

competence (LeBlanc, 1991; Easley, 1993). Recent work protective mucus layer produced by mucus secretory
(McLean, 2014) indicated that up to 50% of Thor­ cells. The exact composition of vaginal secretion is con­
oughbred mares in the UK have had a Caslick operation. trolled by the cyclical hormonal changes of the mare's
The oestrous cycle also has an effect on the compe­ reproductive cycle; see Chapter 2.
tence of the three seals. Further details of the effect of
the oestrous cycle on the reproductive tract are given in 1.5. The Cervix
Chapter 2. In summary, oestrus (period of sexual recep­ The cervix lies at the entrance to the uterus and is a re­
tivity) results in the slackening of all three seals, due to markably versatile structure, normally providing a
a relaxation of the muscles associated with the repro­ tight, thick-walled sphincter, hence acting as the final
ductive tract, especially the cervix (Fig. 1.8). This allows protector of the system, but is also able to dilate vastly
intromission at covering but also decreases the compe­ to accommodate the passage of the fetus at parturition
tence of the reproductive tract seals and so increases the (Figs 1.12 and 1.13). The walls of the cervix form a ser­
chance of bacterial invasion. In part, this is compen­ ies of folds or crypts and are highly muscular with col­
sated for by elevated oestradiol levels characteristic of lagenous connective tissue cores and lined by folded
oestrus, which enhance the mare's immunological re­ columnar epithelium containing mucus-secreting cells.
sponse, so reducing the chance of uterine infection, These crypts are continual with the uterine endomet­
despite the increased chance of bacterial invasion. rium folds and enable the significant expansion re­
quired at parturition (Ginther, 1992; Kainer, 2011)
1.4. The Vagina (Fig. 1.14). In the sexually inactive, dioestrous state, the
The vagina of the mare is on average 18-23 cm long cervix is tightly contracted, white in colour and meas­
and 10-15 cm in diameter. In the well-conformed mare ures on average 6-8 cm long and 4-5 cm in diameter;
the floor of the vagina should rest upon the ischium of
the pelvis, and the walls are normally collapsed and ap­
posed, forming the vestibular seal. The hymen, if pre­
sent, is also associated with this seal and divides the
vagina into anterior (cranial, nearest the mare's head)
and posterior (caudal, nearest the mare's tail) sections.
In some texts the posterior vagina is referred to as the
vestibule. The urethra, from the bladder, opens just cau­
dal to the hymen. The walls of the vagina are muscular
and include the constrictor vestibule muscle. The pos­
terior vagina is lined by stratified squamous epithelium
which accommodates abrasion at copulation whereas Fig. 1.11. The internal surface of the mare·s vagina illustrating
the anterior vagina is lined by columnar epithelium. In from the left the vulva; the posterior vagina lined by stratified
addition both the posterior and anterior vagina are squamous epithelium; the transverse fold (position of the
lined by mucus-secreting cells. The muscle layer pro­ hymen); the anterior vagina lined by columnar epithelium; the
vides elasticity and its dorsal incompleteness allows the cervix.
major stretching required at parturition (Fig. 1.11).
The vagina acts as the second protector and cleaner
of the system. It is largely aglandular (does not contain
secretory glands) but contains acidic to neutral secre­
tions, originating from the mucus-secreting cells, the
cervix and small vestibular glands situated in the poster­
ior vagina. These acidic secretions are bacteriocidal (kill
bacteria); however, they are also spermicidal (kill
sperm), necessitating that sperm are deposited into the
top of the cervix/bottom of the uterus at mating, to
avoid the detrimental effect of the acidic conditions.
The acidic conditions also attack the epithelial cell lin­ Fig. 1.12. The dioestrous cervix is retracted, presenting a tight
ing of the vagina, but these cells are protected by the seal against entry into the uterus
 Chapter 1

cervical secretion is minimal and thick in consistency

(Fig. 1.12). The muscle tone and, therefore, cervix size,
along with its mucus secretion are again governed by
cyclic hormonal changes (see Chapter 2). During oes­
trus muscle tone relaxes under the influence of increas­
ing oestradiol, decreasing progesterone and increasing
prostaglandin (PG) E (PGE) concentrations. These act
on the collagen matrix, separating and dispersing the
collagen fibres, which decreases tensile strength and so
relaxes the cervix (Kershaw et al., 2005). In addition
there is an increase in secretion, so easing the passage of
the penis into the entrance of the cervix. The oestrous
cervix appears pink in colour and may be seen protrud­
ing or 'flowering' into the vagina (Fig. 1.13).

1.6. The Uterus

The uterus of the mare is a hollow muscular Y-shaped
organ joining the cervix and the Fallopian tubes
(Figs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3). It lies in the abdominal cavity
and is attached to the lumbar region of the mare by two
Fig. 1.13. The oestrous cervix is relaxed 'Aowering' into the broad ligaments, outfoldings of the peritoneum, on ei­
vagina presenting a less effective seal but facilitating the entry ther side of the vertebral column. The broad ligaments
of the penis into the cervix for sperm deposition. provide the major support for the reproductive tract
(Fig. 1.15) and can be divided into three areas: meso­
metrium, attached to the uterus; mesosalpinx, attached
to the Fallopian tubes; and mesovarium, attached to the
ovaries (Ginther, 1992).
The Y-shaped uterus is divided into two areas: the
body (caudal end) and the two horns (cranial end). The
body of the uterus normally measures 18-20 cm long
and 8-12 cm in diameter. The two horns that diverge
from the uterine body are approximately 25 cm long
and reduce in diameter from 4-6 cm to 1-2 cm as they
Fig. 1.14. The internal surface of the cervix and uterus illustrat­ approach the Fallopian tubes. The size of the uterus is
ing the cervical folds (centre left) which are continuous with the affected by age and parity, older multiparous mares
endometrial folds that line the uterus (centre right). tending to have larger uteri which also tend to slope

h:.,.....-------1--- Broad ligaments

Serous layer
Myometrial layer
\._,.._.,._,,.,....---t--t--- Endometrium

Fig. 1.15. A cross section through the abdomen of the mare illustrating the two uterine horns and supporting broad ligaments.
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

downwards into the abdominal cavity. The uterus of the endometrial glands and ducts (Figs 1.16 and 1.17). The
mare is termed a simplex bipartitus, due to the rela­ submucosa can be further divided into the compact
tively large size of the uterine body compared to the layer (stratum compactum), nearest the epithelium,
uterine horns (60:40 split). This differs from that in and the spongy layer (stratum spongiosum), nearest the
other farm livestock, where the uterine horns are more myometrium. Collagenous connective tissue cores sup­
predominant. The lack of a septum dividing the uterine port these endometrial folds. The activity and, there­
body is also notable (Hafez and Hafez, 2000; Frandson fore, appearance of the endometrial glands and the
et al., 2009). In situ the uterine walls are flaccid and epithelial cells are dependent on the cyclical hormonal
intermingle with the intestine, the only lumen present changes associated with the oestrous cycle. It is the
being very small and that formed between the endo­ endometrium that is responsible for supporting the
metrial folds. early conceptus and for placental attachment and devel­
The uterine wall (Fig. 1.16), in common with the opment (Ginther, 1992, 1995; Senich, 1998; Kainer,
rest of the tract but most prominent here, consists of 2011). Causey (2007) also suggested that within the
three layers: the perimetrium (an outer serosa layer) uterine epithelium are mucus-secreting and ciliated
continuous with the broad ligaments; the myometrium cells that help eliminate bacteria, providing an add­
(central muscular layer); and the inner endometrium. itional defence against uterine bacterial invasion.
The central myometrial layer is particularly evident in
the uterus where clearly defined outer longitudinal 1.7. The Utero-tubular Junction
muscle fibres, a central vascular layer and inner circular The utero-tubular junction is a constriction or sphinc­
muscle fibres can be seen. It is this central myometrial ter formed by a high concentration of muscle cells ori­
layer that allows the elasticity for expansion of the ginating from the circular myometrium of the Fallopian
uterus during pregnancy as well as providing the force tube. The junction, which appears as a papilla in the
for parturition. The inner endometrium is arranged in endometrium, provides an abrupt connection between
12-15 longitudinal folds continuous with the folds of the end of the uterine horns and the Fallopian tubes
the cervix (Figs 1.2 and 1.14) and comprises the outer (Fig. 1.18). Fertilization takes place in the Fallopian
epithelial cells (epithelium) and inner submucosa of tubes, and the utero-tubular junction selectively allows
endometrial connective or stroma tissue with its associated only fertilized ova to pass through and on to the uterus

Epithelium

Endometrial glands

Strama
Endometrium

Myometrium

Perimetrium

Fig. 1.16. A cross section through the uterine wall. Apart from the presence of endometrial glands, which are present in just the
uterus, this cross section is the same throughout the whole of the reproductive tract.
 Chapter 1

Fig. 1.17. A uterine biopsy illustrating a cross section through the uterine wall, illustrating from the top left: the outer epithelial cells
of the endometrium; the endometrium stratum compactum, with a few endometrial glands; the endometrium stratum spongiosum,
with a high concentration of endometrial glands; the circular muscle cells of the myometrium; and finally, in the very bottom right­
hand corner, the beginnings of the longitudinal muscle cells of the myometrium.

suggesting that it might also act as an area for storage

and then slow release of sperm, spreading the time over
which sperm pass into the Fallopian tube, increasing
the chance of sperm meeting the ovum at the most op­
portune time for fertilization.

1.8. The Fallopian Tubes

The mare has two Fallopian tubes or oviducts of 25-30 cm
length, which are continuous with the uterine horns
(Fig. 1.19). The diameter of these tubes varies slightly
along their length, being 2-5 mm at the isthmus end
(nearest the uterine horn), and gradually increasing to
Fig. 1.18. The utero-tubular junction in the mare, as seen from 5-10 mm at the ampulla (nearest the ovary). The div­
the uterine horn side (the dark colour of the uterine endomet­ ision of the Fallopian tube between the isthmus and
rium is not natural but serves to allow easier identification of arnpulla is approximately equal although the demarca­
the utero-tubular junction). tion between the two areas is indistinct. The Fallopian
tubes lie within peritoneal folds, which form the
for implantation and further development. Fertilized mesosalphinx part of the broad ligaments. The walls of
ova appear to actively control their own passage (Sec­ the Fallopian tubes remain the same as the rest of the
tion 3.2) leaving the unfertilized ova on the Fallopian tract, but are thinner. Fertilization takes place in the
tube side of the junction. These then gradually degener­ arnpulla region nearest the ovary, an area that is charac­
ate (Ginther, 1992; Kainer, 2011). The utero-tubular terized by a folded epithelial layer lined with cilia or
junction may also act as a selection mechanism allow­ fimbrae (hair-like projections) and reduced myome­
ing only morphologically normal sperm to pass through trium. The cilia waft unfertilized ova into the ampulla
to the Fallopian tube. Work by Scott et al. (2000) re­ to await the sperm and to waft fertilized ova out of the
ported the presence of sperm within the folds around arnpulla and on towards the isthmus. In contrast the
the utero-tubular junction for up to 4 h after mating, isthmus has a thicker myometrial layer, contraction of
 Mare Reproductive Anatomy

which pushes the fertilized ova towards the uterotubu­ 6-8 cm in length and 3-4 cm in width; they are also softer
lar junction. The ampulla of each Fallopian tube ends in to the touch owing to the development of fluid-filled fol­
the infundibulum, a funnel-like opening close to the licles (Fig. 1.20). Older, multiparous mares tend to show
ovary (Kainer, 2011). larger ovaries which can be up to 10 cm in length.
The infundibulum in the mare is closely associated The mare's ovaries are bean shaped with the convex
with a specific part of the ovary, termed the ovulation outer surface or border of the ovary attached to the
fossa, which is unique to the mare and is the only site of mesovarian section of the broad ligaments (Figs 1.20
ova release; in other mammals ovulation may occur and 1.21), which is the entry point for blood and nerve
over the whole surface of the ovary and so the infun­ supply; the concave inner surface is free from attach­
dibulum encapsulates the ovary. The infundibulum is, ment and is the location of the ovulation fossa. The
therefore, relatively hard to distinguish in the mare, not whole ovary is contained within a thick protective
being so evident as a funnel-shaped structure surround­ layer, the tunica albuginea, except for the ovulation
ing the whole ovary. Like the ampulla, the infundibu­ fossa. The tissue of the ovary in the mare is arranged as
lum is lined by cilia, which again attract and catch the the inner cortex (active gametogenic and steriodogenic
ova guiding them towards the entrance of the Fallopian tissue) and the outer medulla (supporting tissue). Ova
tubes (Ginther, 1992; Kainer, 2011). release at ovulation occurs only through the ovulation
fossa, and all follicular and corpus luteum (CL) devel­
1.9. The Ovaries opment occurs internally, within the cortex of the
The ovaries of the mare are both gametogenic (site of ovary (Fig 1.21). The mare differs in these aspects from
gamete (ova) production) and steroidogenic (site of hor­ other mammals, in which the medulla and cortex are
mone production) in function. They are evident as two reversed, ovulation occurring over the surface of the
bean-shaped structures normally situated ventrally to ovary and all follicular and CL development occurring
(below) the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and sup­ on the outer borders. Rectal palpation, as a clinical aid
ported by the mesovarium part of the broad ligaments. to assess reproductive function in the mare, is not,
They make the total length of the reproductive tract in therefore, as easy to perform as it is in other farm live­
the mare in the region of 50-60 cm. In the sexually in­ stock such as the cow. However, with the advent of
active stage, i.e. during the non-breeding season, the ultrasound, assessment of ovarian characteristics in the
mare's ovaries measure around 2-4 cm in length and 2-3 mare is now very accurate (see Section 10.2.2.2
cm in width and are hard to the touch owing to the ab­ Ginther, 1992, 1995; Senich, 1998; Hafez and Hafez,
sence of developing follicles. During the sexually active 2000; Kainer, 2011).
stage when the mare is in the breeding season, particu­
larly during oestrus, they increase in size to around

Fig. 1.19. The convoluted Fallopian tube running through the Fig. 1.20. The ovaries of the mare. Note the difference in size
mesovarian section of the broad ligaments, from the ovary on between the ovary on the right (inactive) and the one on the
the left to the uterine horn on the right, illustrating the broader left (active). The concave surface (position of the ovulation
ampulla region of the Fallopian tube (on the left) and the more fossa) and the convex surface (the hilus, entry point for blood
wiry and narrower isthmus region to the right. and nerve supply) of the ovary are clearly seen.
Another random document with
no related content on Scribd:
 »Jo vainenkin! Vai tähän sepän kamariin olette joutuneet
asumaan», virkkoi hän sitten.

Sytytettyään piippunsa näytti Antti samassa muistavan jotakin ja

kysäisi:

»Lienettekö kuulleet mitään Paavo-Eemelistä, pojastanne?»

Ei kumpikaan vastannut mitään.

»Kiinni on joutunut… Oli papinkirja täältä neuvoteltu…»

Liisa valahti kalpeaksi kuin palttina, mutta Samulin kasvoissa ei

tapahtunut mitään muutosta. Hänen katseensa haki Liisan katsetta,
ja kun tapasi, niin tuntui sanovan:

»Sinuun tuli… epärehellinen tuli…»

Liisa poistui pian huoneesta ja näki Antin tulevan heti jälkeensä,

hyppäävän suksilleen ja lähtevän hiihtämään.

»Olisipa saanut olla sanomatta… Samulin kuullen», ajatteli Liisa,

mutta itkuun hänkin purskahti sepän pirtissä eikä saattanut olla
Juliaanalle sanomatta, mitä Paavo-Eemelistä oli Kuusi-Antilta
kuullut.

Eräänä yönä tuli Samuli yhtäkkiä hirveihin tuskiin.

Liisa heräsi siihen, että Samuli ulvoi ja riuhtoi sängyssään, niin

että sänky paukkui. Hän sai tulen ja riensi apuun. Mutta Samulilla
olivat silmät kiinni ja hän vatvoi itseään sinne tänne, jalkojen ja
käsien käyristyessä suonenvedosta… ja ulvoi niin pahalla äänellä,
että sydämen oli halkaista…
 Liisa koetti saada häntä tajuihinsa, mutta onnistumatta. Sairas
vääntelihe niin, että ruumis luokaksi sujui, ja parahti oudosti…

Kauhistuksissaan Liisa pakeni sepän väkeä herättämään…

»Kuolee, kuolee!» huusi hän ovelta. »Seppä rakas ja Juliaana,

tulkaa auttamaan!»

Seppä hyppäsi alushousussaan sängystä ja kiskaisi Juliaanaa

tukasta.

»Nouse… nouse! Samuli tekee loppua!»

Ulvominen ja heittelehtiminen oli sillävälin lakannut kuulumasta,

mutta lapset olivat heränneet ja itkivät jokainen. Liisa ja seppä
vaimoineen menivät sisälle, sepällä palava kynttilä kädessä.

Samuli makasi kuolleena sängyssään, polvet koukussa vatsaa

vasten ja silmät ummessa, suu selkosen selällään.

10.

Aamulla seppä läksi pappilaan ja kellonsoittoon.

Tiellä tuli vastaan hirsikuormia uutta kansakoulua varten.

»Mihin seppä näin aamusta hiihtää?» kysyivät hirrenvedättäjät.

»Menenpähän hakemaan lujempaa lattiaa sille miehelle, jonka

pirtin puritte viime viikolla», vastasi seppä.
 »Joko on kuollut Samuli?»

»Tänä aamuna viidettä käydessä. Pääsi nyt kunta ja kansakoulu

rauhaan!»

Hirrenajajat eivät puhuneet mitään, ja seppä jatkoi hiihtämistään

pappilaan päin. Pakkasaamu oli, päivä alkoi valjeta. Paksussa
valkoisessa huurteessa, liikkumattomana ja totisena oli metsä, ja
taivas värittömän vaaleana. Kylältä kohosi savupilviä tyyneen
ilmaan, hitaasti ja vaivalloisesti hajaantuen kelmeän taivaan alle.
Kirkkomaan korkea, luminen kuusikko välkkyi nousevan auringon
valossa, ja etäisiä, lumen peittämiä vaarojen lakia kultasivat päivän
kimaltelevat säteet.

Seppä poikkesi maalarin mökkiin, kirkon viereen, hetkeksi

juttelemaan, että pastori ehtisi nousta ja pukeutua. Maalari oli kylän
sosialistien johtaja ja työväenseuran esimies.

Samulin surullisesta kohtalosta maalari sai kiitollista aihetta

puheeseen ihmisiä ja yhteiskuntaa, olevia oloja ja Jumalaa vastaan.
Seppäkin sai taas vereksiä voimia ja uusia mielipiteitä. Hän ei
ollutkaan koko talvena tullut käyneeksi työväen kokouksissa.

Rohkeana miehenä astui hän pastorin puheille, jonka tiesi olevan

karskin kaikille sosialisteille. Sepästäkin oli pastorille kerrottu, että
hän yllytti palvelijoita, kehottaen piikoja ja renkejä kaikenlaisiin
joutaviin »mielenosoituksiin», ja että hän oli ollut ensimmäinen mies
selittämään kuukausipalkkajärjestelmää.

Pastori tunsi heti sepän, kun tämä astui sisälle. Hänen otsansa
vetäytyi ryppyihin, ja suun ympärille kuroutui tyytymättömyyttä
ilmaisevia juovia.
 Seppä ilmoitti asiansa.

»Yksi joukostanne on siis poistunut», sanoi pastori ja otti

kirkonkirjat käsille.

»Ei Samuli ole koskaan kuulunut sosialistiseen puolueeseen»,

oikaisi seppä, joka ymmärsi, mitä pastori tarkoitti.

»Vai ei ole kuulunut! Sepä kummaa! Varpumäessähän kaikki ovat

sosialisteja», oudoksui pastori.

»Vaan ei ollut tämä vainaja. Siihen puolueeseen kuului kuin

Törmäläkin, isäntänsä…»

»Vai niin!»

Pastorin kasvoille levisi tyytyväisempi ilme, ja otsan rypyt

katosivat.

»Mutta ilman sosialistien apua hän olisi nälkään kuollut», sanoi

seppä hetken perästä.

Pastori ei vastannut siihen mitään, selaili kirkonkirjoja.

»Samuli-parka uskoi isäntäänsä. Äänesti aina vaaleissakin sitä

miestä, jota isäntä käski, ja uskoi kai Jumalan apuun, mutta olisi
paleltunutkin pirttiinsä ilman minun apuani niinkuin russakka…»

Pastori silmäsi julmasti seppää, mutta ei virkkanut mitään,

kirjoitteli.

Seppä alkoi selittää koko Samulin elämäkertaa, lopuksi mainiten

testamentistakin. Pastori kuunteli tyynesti hänen puhettaan ja lausui
sitten:
 »Ihmiskohtalo on vanhurskaan Herramme kädessä… Herra panee
raskaita koettelemuksia ja tahtoo siten ihmisparkoja pelastukseen
vetää… Samuli-vainajan kohtalo on kova, mutta uskokaamme, että
hän Herransa luona nyt on iankaikkisessa ilossa… Me ihmiset emme
kykene tuomitsemaan… Herra yksin kaikki tietää…»

Seppä oli pohjaltaan helläluonteinen mies, ja pastorin

sydämellinen puhe vaikutti häneen kuin lämmin sade kuivaan
maahan.

Pois lähtiessään hän kiitteli pastoria ja antoi kättä hyvästellessä.

Ulostullessaan hän pyyhki kyyneliä silmistään, otti suksensa ja

läksi hiihtämään. Aurinko oli noussut jo korkeammalle ja helmikuun
taivas käynyt äskeisestä sinisemmäksi. Kun hän ehti kirkon luo, näki
hän tapulin suurten valkoisten luukkujen jysähtävän auki ja kohta
alkoi kuulua kellojen soitto…

Tyynessä, kirkkaassa helmikuun ilmassa kajahti kellojen kumea

ääni omituisen kirkkaalta ja helisi kauas vuoriseen ympäristöön.
Seppä ei muistanut koskaan kirkonkellojen äänen noin kajahdelleen,
noin kauas vaaroihin kumisseen… tai hän ei ollut koskaan niiden
äänessä mitään erityisempää helinää huomannut, vaikka kotipihalle
aina kuuli…

Mutta nyt otti korva paremmin, ja raskas suru tuntui sydäntä

vihlaisevan.

— Sielukelloja soitetaan Samuli-vainajalle… tuli hänen mieleensä.

Hän kääntyi katsomaan taakseen ja näki molempien avonaisten
luukkujen läpi kellojen vuoroon heilahtavan… ja hänen mieleensä tuli
kumma pelko kuolemasta ja elämästä haudan tuolla puolen…
 Hän ei ollut kuolemaa eikä tulevaa elämää koskaan ajatellut,
mutta nyt tuli mieleen… ja sen hän tunsi, että kaukana oli hän siitä
Herrasta, joka rauhan ja iankaikkisen ilon on kärsiville valmistanut…

Ja syvissä mietteissä seppä hiihteli kotiaan päin.

… »mutta uskokaamme, että hän Herransa luona nyt on

iankaikkisessa ilossa…» muistuivat pastorin sanat mieleen.

— Jos niin on… niin sitten ainakin on siellä oikeutta sillekin, jolta
se täällä ryöstetään, ajatteli hän.

Kun hän pääsi kotipihalle, oltiin siellä jo ruumista viemässä vajaan,

joka oli pajan vieressä. Muutamia hirrenajajia oli Juliaana saanut
avukseen. Hän oli pessyt ruumiin, sepän valkoisen, uuden paidan
pannut päälle ja sukat jalkaan.

Liisan uikutus kuului kamarista, ja lapsetkin itkivät.

Seppä liittyi miehille avuksi, ja pian oli ruumis saatu laudoille, jotka
oli asetettu vajaan, kahden tyhjän tynnyrin varaan.

»Ei paina paljoa mies enää», sanoi eräs kantajista.

»Kyllä on miesparasta liha syöpynyt, ettei suinkaan ole muualla

kuin kielessä», arveli toinen.

Kolmas, vanhanpuoleinen mies, kotikyläläinen, puhui:

»Kummasti pian kuihtuu ja kuolee ihminen. Viime kesänä vielä,

muistan, kun olimme Karjasaaressa… harva nuorikaan mies olisi
vielä viime kesänäkään heinän hankoamisessa Samulille riittänyt…
Näin, kun Törmälän saran vieressä tein heinää.»
 Seppä sanoi kuin kaikille yhteisesti:

»Ei se nälkään eikä puutteeseenkaan kuollut, sen tiedämme

Juliaana ja minä. Mutta kova oli sisustauti, vanha repeämä mikä
lienee ollut, ja siihen lisäksi kolotus… Ja murhetta tuli muutenkin…
se lopunkin miehuutta ja toivoa vei…»

Sepälle tulivat kyynelet silmiin, ja toisetkin miehet seisoivat totisina

kuin patsaat.

»Veisatkaa joku virsi», pyysi Juliaana, joka seisoi ovella.

Olikin miesten joukossa Juurrus-Antti, vanha veisaaja ja virsimies

verraton.

Ulkomuistilta alkoi veisata, ja toiset ottivat lakit päästään. Oven

pieltä vasten seisoi Juliaana silmiään huivinnurkalla pyyhkien.

Virttä veisatessa ilmausi Törmälän Serafiina pihalle ja käveli vajan

ovelle, Juliaanan viereen. Hänen kasvonsa olivat puhtaat, ja päässä
oli musta huivi. Silmät eivät kiiluneet nyt niinkuin tavallisesti, ja
olennossa näytti muutenkin olevan vakavuutta.

Juliaana silmäsi häneen kylmästi.

— Oletkohan tullut ilon vai surun vuoksi? hän mietti, sillä hänellä
oli vieläkin omat ajatuksensa Serafiinasta ja testamentista.

11.
 Kirkas, heleän kaunis helmikuun sunnuntai oli, kun Koski-Samulin
viimeiset jäännökset kätkettiin maan poveen.

Törmälän Serafiina oli kaikki hautajaishommat kustantanut.

Köyhäinhoidon puoleen ei tarvittu kääntyä. Kuusi-Antti, vanha
ruumisarkkunikkari, teki arkun, ja Serafiina ja sepän Juliaana
toimittivat ruumiin siihen. Arkku oli kaikin puolin varustettu niinkuin
varakkaidenkin. Kantajiksi oli kutsuttu Samuli-vainajan parhaat ja
läheisimmät naapurit: Kuusi-Antti poikineen, seppä, Alatörmälän
isäntä ja kaikki mökinmiehet Varpumäestä, jotta yhteensä oli
kahdeksan kantajaa.

Törmälän hevosella on ruumis kirkolle tuotu, ja siinä nyt kirkon

luona vartovat papin viimeistä toimitusta, ennenkuin lähtevät arkkua
kirkkomaalle kantamaan.

Ruumissaatossa on, paitsi kantajia, vainajan leski Liisa, sepän

Juliaana ja Törmälän Serafiina, joka on tahtonut saattaa talon
vanhaa palvelijaa viimeiseen lepokammioon. Liisan silmät ovat
itkusta turvonneet, mutta nyt hän on vaiti ja katselee miettiväisenä
mustaan arkkuun, jonka mustankiiltävästä pinnasta valkoinen lumi
omituisesti heijastuu.

Miehet puhelevat keskenään muista maailman asioista, ja

Serafiina seisoo vähän etempänä omissa ajatuksissaan. Hän on
kyllä vakavan ja juhlallisen näköinen paksuissa, mustissa
talvivaatteissaan, mutta siinä mietteissään kun seisoo, vilahtaa väliin
kuin riemu pienien silmien terävässä ilmeessä.

Juliaanan suurten, rehellisten silmien katse seuraa Serafiinaa, ja

kun Juliaanan katse osuu Serafiinan silmiin, kääntää tämä heti
päänsä toisaalle. Eikä saa Juliaana pois mielestään kummaa
epäluuloa, joka Serafiinaa kohtaan on syntynyt. Ei ole Juliaana
luuloistaan kenellekään sitten enää puhunut, kun miehensä kanssa
siitä puhe oli, mutta aina on se ajatus häntä vaivannut. Ja kuta
enemmän hän on Serafiinaa tarkastanut, nyt hautajaishommissakin,
sitä varmemmaksi on hänen uskonsa käynyt. On tosin joskus
epäillytkin. Niinä hetkinä varsinkin, kun näki, millä innolla ja huolella
Serafiina hommasi vainajaa hautaan ja lapsista huolta piti.

Mutta nyt tässä kirkon luona, kirkkaassa ilmassa, on hänen

tuntoonsa kasvanut varma usko, että Serafiina sydämessään iloitsee
Samulin kuolemasta. Semmoisen kummallisen ilon kiillon on hän
nähnyt Serafiinan silmissä.

Mutta ei hän ajatuksistaan kenellekään mitään hiisku.

Maalari, työväenseuran esimies, on aikonut pitää puheen Samulin

haudalla. Mutta seppä on yhteen sanaan sen kieltänyt.

Syrjäsilmällä maalari katselee ruumissaattuetta, mutta ei tule

kantajia puhuttelemaan. On luultavasti sepällekin suuttunut.

Kirkas päivä paistaa kirkkomaan pitkien puiden lomitse valkoiseen

hankeen. Sinne on suuren kuusen juurelle kaivettu hauta, jonka
kuiva, keltainen hiekka pohottaa kauas hangen keskeltä…

Sinne kantavat Samuli-vainajan arkkua, ja nenäliinat silmillä

kulkee kolme naista arkun perässä.

Törmälän Serafiina on palannut Samuli-vainajaa hautaan

saattamasta.
 Hän ei oikein saa selvää itsestään, onko hänen hyvä vai paha olla.
Enemmän kuitenkin hyvä.

Koko talo onkin nyt kuin autio. Serafiina on toistaiseksi lopettanut

karjan pidon, vuokrannut niityt ja elää omaa elämäänsä yksin koko
talossa. Ei palvelijaakaan ole hän täksi talveksi raskinnut palkata.

»Velkoja on paljon», on hän huutokauppapäivänä sanonut. »Ne

täytyy ensiksi maksaa…»

Hän on riisunut paksut mustat vaatteensa ja istahtaa melkein

väsyneesti tuolille ikkunan luo, josta näkee suoraan Varpumäkeen.
Sinne vie nyt vankka, kovaksi tallattu hirsitie, ja uusien, vasta
pelkottujen hirsien kyljet paistavat läjistään tielle asti.

Hän on sytyttänyt tulen uuniin, sillä kirkkomaalla ollessa on tullut

hieman vilu. Lämmittävän tulen luona on hupainen istua, ja hänestä
tuntuu nyt helpommalta kuin on tuntunut pitkään aikaan. Ja hänen
ajatuksensa pyörivät nyt viime kuukausien tapahtumissa…

Sydän vieläkin hytkähtää ja selkäpiitä karmii, mutta kaikki on nyt

hyvin ja hänen tuntonsa on rauhoittunut.

Onko hän sitten rikkonut?

Vasta syyskesällä, kun kansakouluntarkastaja kävi ja puhe tuli

Varpumäen torpasta, että siihen kansakoulu sopisi, sai hän isältä
kuulla, että Varpumäen oli isä lahjoittanut Samulille…

Varpumäen torpan paikasta tarjosi kunta verraten suurta

kauppasummaa, ja hän koki taivuttaa isää, jotta myisi… ja saisi siten
ison velan maksetuksi. Mutta isä ei suostunut mihinkään…
 Silloin isä sairastui ja puhui testamentista…

Hän haki ja löysi isän papereista testamentin…

— Mitä hyödyttää Samulia, että saa niin paljon maata? mietiskeli

hän. — Ei Samuli koskaan, kivulloinen ja ikämies jo, kykene
maataan viljelemään, ei pysty saamaan navettaakaan… Parempi on,
että autan häntä muuten.

Ja isän kuoltua hän otti testamentin ja piilotti sen visusti omiin

kätköihinsä. Ei tahtonut sitä hävittääkään…

Myi sitten Varpumäen ja joka pennillä isävainajan velkaa maksoi…

Ja huolta oli pitänyt Samulin perheestä ja vastakin aikoi pitää…

Se vain oli joka päivä ollut hänen suurin toivomuksensa, että

Samuli kuolisi, kuta pikemmin sitä parempi. Nyt oli toivomus
toteutunut ja hän oli nyt mielestään päässyt rauhaan — testamentin
suhteen.

Ei kaivannut enää Samuli testamenttia, ja leski ja lapset tulivat

varmaan paremmin nyt toimeen kuin koskaan torpassa, jossa ei olisi
ollut muuta kuin viljelemätöntä maata…

Niin oli.

Hän nousi, meni kätköilleen ja otti sieltä paperikäärön, jonka

aukaisi.
Siinä oli isävainajan isoa, selvää käsialaa. Hän luki siitä:

Lahjakirja.
 Täten lahjoitan ja määrään minä Joonas Heikinp. Aislinki eli
Törmälä, että kuolemani jälkeen kiinteästä omaisuudestani
Törmälän talosta N:o 3, tämän pitäjän Haukkavaaran kylässä, on
torpparilleni Samuli Erkinp. Koskelle ja hänen perheelleen omaksi
ja omistettavaksi erotettava 5 tynnyrinalaa maata, Varpumäestä
suoraan itään Takasuolle päin, rajoittuen Alatörmälän talon
palstaan etelässä ja Metsämaan palstaan pohjoisessa, lisäksi
mainitun Kosken ennen omistamaan torpan maahan ja huoneisiin,
jotka olen hänelle ennen lahjaksi antanut. Vielä on Koskelle lisäksi
erotettava Takasuo nimiseltä uudisviljelykseltä, Rantalan talon rajaa
vasten, Vasuharjusta alkaen 300 sylen pituinen ja 100 sylen
levyinen niittypalsta, jotka molemmat palstat omistaja saapi hakea
palstatilaksi ja päätilan veroihin nähden niistä päätilan hyväksi
veron maksaa.

Irtaimistosta on heti kuolemani jälkeen annettava kaksi lypsävää

lehmää ja 2 tynnyriä ohria. Jos Samuli Koski kuolisi ennen minua,
jää tämä lahjakirja hänen oikeutensa omistajien nautittavaksi.

Kaiken tämän lahjoituksen teen vapaasta tahdostani ja oikeasta

omastani siitä syystä, että Samuli Koski on minua palvellut
kolmattakymmentä vuotta uskollisesti ja rehellisesti.

Kirjoitettu Törmälän tilalla — päivänä — kuuta — — —

Joonas Heikinp. Aislinki

eli Törmälä.
Oma käsi.»

Serafiina heitti paperiarkin hiillokseen, missä liekit mieluisasti

nuoleksivat sitä. Serafiina näki vielä hiiltyneen paperin punaisella
pohjalla mustia kirjaimia, joista erotti nimet Samuli ja Joonas…
 Hän kohensi jäännökset hiillokseen.

Hän ei tiennyt, oliko hänen nyt paha vaiko hyvä olla. Paremmin
kuitenkin hyvä.

Hän nousi, puki ylleen ja läksi Varpumäkeen noutamaan Samuli-

vainajan nuorinta poikaa, Akselia, jonka oli aikonut ottaa
kasvatikseen.
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